Grooving with Taliso Engel: Dancing His Way to New Challenges
Dance prodigy Taliso Engel demonstrates exceptional skill with mere eight percent visual acuity on the dance floor. - Blind dancer Taliso Engel triumphs on the dance floor with only 8% vision.
Swimming superstar Taliso Engel is diving headfirst into new waters as he takes on the dance floor in the 2025 season of RTL's "Let's Dance"! Here's a closer look at this remarkable athlete and his journey into the world of dancing.
Profile: A Swimming Wonder
Born on June 4, 2002, in Lauf an der Pegnitz, Bavaria, Taliso Engel has called Nuremberg home since he was a child. In a relationship, his eye-catching accomplishments have cemented his place in swimming history.
The Greatest Achievements
Plagued by a visual impairment, Taliso was born with only 4% vision in his right eye and a maximum of 8% in his left. His world is filled with color and rough outlines, but no details. Despite also losing his hearing in his right ear due to a middle ear infection, this fearless fighter has become one of Germany's most successful para-swimmers.
To date, he has collected medals from European and World Championships, and showcased his strength by taking home gold medals at the Paralympics in Tokyo and Paris. Engel is no stranger to breaking records, currently holding the world record in the 100-meter breaststroke para-swimming event at an impressive 1:01.84 minutes.
Stepping Out of the Pool
Like many others, Taliso sees "Let's Dance" as a chance to conquer a new territory. He's no stranger to challenges, but he respects the physical demands that dancing presents, as they differ greatly from swimming. "My aim for 'Let's Dance' is to learn a new sport, to dance better at the end of this journey than I can now, and just have an unforgettable experience," he shared before his debut.
Behind the Scenes
Taliso Engel has earned two Silver Laurel Leaf awards from the German federal president for his outstanding achievements in sports. When he's not making waves in swimming or dancing, he's pursuing a distance learning degree in fitness training and management.
This year, 14 participants will join the "Let's Dance" stage, including singer Jeanette Biedermann, content creator Paola Maria, actress Christine Neubauer, and comedian Osan Yaran, among others.
In the world of dance, Taliso Engel is about to prove that he's not just a swimming phenom – he's a force to be reckoned with, no matter the stage.
- Taliso Engel, the world-renowned para-swimmer, shows his versatility by venturing into the realm of entertainment as he participates in the basketball-themed season of the popular German TV show "Let's Dance."
- Engel's impressive athletic background spans beyond swimming, as he challenges himself in different sports, including basketball, having a keen interest in the WNBA, NBA, and NCAA-Basketball.
- Despite his success in swimming, Taliso Engel's forthcoming performance on "Let's Dance" hints at a newfound passion for dance, as he endeavors to showcase his skills in various styles and perhaps, even bring home a dance trophy like he did with his Paralympic swimming medals.
